Water-washable toilet

Abstract

To provide a water closet capable of ensuring the capacity of a water storage tank disposed on a back side of a wall or in a cabinet and ensuring maintainability of a pump device and a peripheral device thereof.SOLUTION: A water closet 1 of the invention has a bowl part 14 including a dirt receiving surface 10 for receiving the dirt and a rim part 12 formed on an upper edge of the dirt receiving surface, a toilet bowl body 2 having a drain flow passage 16 for discharging the dirt in the bowl part and a skirt part 18 surrounding the bowl part and the drain flow passage from outside, a tank device 6 having a water storage tank 4 for storing washing water, and a pump device 8 that pressurizes the washing water supplied from the water storage tank and supplies the washing water to the bowl part of the toilet bowl body. The water storage tank is disposed on the outside of the toilet bowl body by being concealed on the back side of a wall W disposed behind the toilet bowl body or in a cabinet C, while the pump device 8 is disposed on inner side than the skirt part of the toilet bowl body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a flushing toilet, and more particularly to a flushing toilet that is washed with washing water to discharge dirt.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a flushing toilet that is washed with washing water to discharge dirt, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, washing water stored in a water storage tank is pressurized to the toilet body by a pump device to perform toilet washing. A so-called "pump-type flushing toilet" is known. In the conventional flushing toilet described in Patent Document 1 mentioned above, each of the water storage tank and the pump device is arranged outside the toilet body by being concealed behind a wall or inside a cabinet arranged behind the toilet body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned conventional flushing toilet, since the water storage tank and the pump device are concealed behind the wall behind the toilet body or inside the cabinet, in order to secure the capacity of the water storage tank and secure the installation space of the pump device, there is a problem that the space behind the wall or inside the cabinet must be secured to a certain extent. Furthermore, while the water storage tanks that hold the cleaning water have a relatively long lifespan, related equipment such as pump systems and control devices that control their drive units have undergone significant technological advancements, requiring regular maintenance and replacement of parts and equipment. Therefore, if the pump system and its peripheral equipment (control devices, etc.) are concealed behind a wall or inside a cabinet, there is a problem in that maintainability is compromised. Therefore, a challenge that has become increasingly important in recent years is how to ensure the capacity of the water storage tank, which is located behind a wall or inside a cabinet, while also ensuring the maintainability of the pump system and its peripheral equipment.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the problems of the prior art described above and the issues that have been requested in recent years, and aims to provide a pump-type flush toilet that can achieve both securing the capacity of the water storage tank located behind the wall or inside the cabinet and ensuring the maintainability of the pump device and its peripheral equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a flush toilet that is washed with flushing water to discharge waste, comprising: a toilet body having a bowl portion including a waste receiving surface for receiving waste and a rim portion formed on the upper edge of the waste receiving surface; a drainage channel for discharging waste from the bowl portion; and a skirt portion surrounding the bowl portion and the drainage channel from the outside; a tank device having a water storage tank for storing flushing water; and a pump device for pressurizing the flushing water supplied from the water storage tank and supplying it to the bowl portion of the toilet body, wherein the water storage tank is located outside the toilet body by being concealed behind a wall or in a cabinet located behind the toilet body, while the pump device is located inside the skirt portion of the toilet body. In the present invention configured in this way, the water storage tank of the tank device is placed outside the toilet bowl by concealing it behind a wall or inside a cabinet located behind the toilet bowl, while the pump device can be placed inside the skirt portion of the toilet bowl. This allows for the creation of space on the front of the wall behind the toilet or outside the cabinet (such as the space behind and above the toilet) without compromising the design of the toilet itself. This space can then be used, for example, to install windows or decorative shelves, thus increasing the flexibility of the layout around the flush toilet. Furthermore, by concealing the water storage tank of the tank system behind the wall or inside a cabinet, and positioning the pump system inside the skirt portion of the toilet body, it is possible to secure a larger water storage tank capacity while reducing the wall thickness or cabinet space occupied by the pump system, compared to concealing the pump system together with the water storage tank of the tank system behind the wall or inside a cabinet. Furthermore, if the pump unit is concealed behind the wall behind the toilet bowl or inside a cabinet, it becomes difficult to access the pump unit and its surrounding equipment for inspection, parts replacement, and other maintenance. However, by positioning the pump unit in the space inside the skirt portion of the toilet bowl, it becomes easier to access the pump unit and its surrounding equipment from the front of the wall or outside the cabinet, thereby improving maintainability. Therefore, the water storage tank of the tank system, which is less likely to impair the water storage function and has a long lifespan, could be placed behind the wall or inside a cabinet, while the pump system, which has seen greater technological advancements than the water storage tank and requires more frequent maintenance such as inspection and parts replacement, could be placed in a part of the toilet bowl itself. This makes it possible to ensure both sufficient capacity for the water storage tank located behind the wall or inside a cabinet, and maintainability of the pump device and its peripheral equipment on the toilet bowl side.

[0007] In the present invention, preferably, the lower end position of the water storage tank is set to a position lower than the upper surface of the rim portion of the toilet bowl body. In the present invention configured as described above, conventional water storage tanks, which are located behind the wall or concealed within a cabinet behind the toilet bowl, employ a so-called "gravity-supplied water storage tank" that uses gravity (potential energy) to supply flushing water to the downstream side (to the toilet bowl side). Therefore, in order to allow the effect of gravity (potential energy) on the flushing water in the water storage tank to be exerted, the lower end of the water storage tank was set to a position above the upper surface of the rim of the toilet bowl in order to set the water level in the water storage tank (for example, the water level in the water storage tank when it is in standby mode) as high as possible. In contrast, the present invention employs a so-called "pump-type water storage tank" that pressurizes the flushing water supplied from the water storage tank by a pump device and supplies it to the bowl portion of the toilet bowl body. This allows the lower end of the water storage tank to be set below the upper surface of the rim portion of the toilet bowl body. Therefore, the space above the toilet bowl can be made larger and utilized more effectively. Furthermore, because the lower end of the water storage tank is positioned below the upper surface of the rim of the toilet bowl, even in situations where the gravitational force (potential energy) of the flushing water in the water storage tank is not easily exerted, the pumping device can adequately supply the flushing water from the water storage tank to the bowl of the toilet bowl.

[0008] In the present invention, preferably, the skirt portion comprises a rear wall portion provided on the rear side of the toilet bowl body and a toilet bowl side opening that penetrates the rear wall portion in the front-rear direction, the water storage tank has a supply port directed from the rear side of the toilet bowl body toward the toilet bowl side opening to supply flushing water from the water storage tank to the toilet bowl body, and the flush toilet further has a water-conducting member that connects the supply port of the water storage tank to the pump device, and this water-conducting member is arranged to pass through the toilet bowl side opening. In the present invention configured as described above, a toilet-side opening extending in the front-to-back direction can be provided in the rear wall portion on the back side of the skirt portion of the toilet bowl body, and the supply port of the water storage tank, which supplies flushing water from the water storage tank to the toilet bowl body, can be positioned to face from the rear side of the toilet bowl body toward the toilet-side opening. Furthermore, the water passage member connecting the supply port of the water storage tank and the pump device can be positioned to pass through the toilet-side opening of the toilet bowl body. Furthermore, because the water tank's supply port is oriented toward the toilet bowl opening, it eliminates wasted space that would otherwise be required for the water passage connecting the water tank's supply port to the pump device, allowing for the shortest possible connection between the water tank's supply port and the pump device. Therefore, the capacity of the water storage tank can be secured, and pressure loss due to the length of the water passage can be reduced, allowing the flushing water in the water storage tank to be efficiently supplied to the bowl portion of the toilet bowl by the pump device. Furthermore, the water-conducting member may be provided integrally with the pump device. This eliminates the need for retaining members (such as hose clamps) at the connection point between the water-conducting member and the pump device. As a result, the water storage tank and the pump device can be connected in such a way that the distance in the front-to-back direction is minimized, thereby reducing the forward projection of the flush toilet. Therefore, it is possible to increase the flexibility of the layout in the space surrounding the flush toilet.

[0009] In the present invention, preferably, the flush toilet further includes a control device for controlling the pump device, and this control device is located in the toilet body. In this configuration of the present invention, the water storage tank of the tank device, which is less likely to impair the water storage function and has a long lifespan, is placed behind a wall or inside a cabinet, while the pump device and control device, which have seen greater technological advancements than the water storage tank and require more frequent maintenance such as inspection and parts replacement, can be placed in a part of the toilet bowl body. This improves the maintainability of the pump device, control device, and their peripheral equipment on the toilet bowl side. Furthermore, compared to concealing the pump and control equipment together with the water storage tank of the tank system behind a wall or inside a cabinet, this design allows for a larger water storage tank capacity while reducing the wall thickness or cabinet space occupied by the pump and control equipment.

[0010] In the present invention, preferably, the flush toilet further includes a local cleaning device provided at the rear of the upper surface of the toilet bowl body, which sprays cleaning water onto the private parts of the toilet user for cleaning. This local cleaning device includes an outer casing that forms its outer shell, and the overflow water level of the cleaning water in the water storage tank is set higher than the upper surface of the rim of the toilet bowl body and lower than the upper end of the outer casing of the local cleaning device. In the present invention configured as described above, if the overflow water level of the flushing water in the water storage tank is set lower than the upper surface of the rim of the toilet bowl, for example, if a blockage occurs on the toilet bowl side, before the toilet bowl side is filled with water, the flushing water in the water storage tank may exceed the overflow water level behind the rear wall of the toilet bowl or inside the cabinet, causing water to leak outside the unit. Furthermore, if the overflow water level of the flushing water in the water storage tank is set higher than the upper edge of the outer casing of the local flushing device, a blockage in the toilet bowl will cause the toilet bowl to fill up, and the flushing water inside the toilet bowl will overflow from the top of the rim. This allows the user to notice the leak in the toilet bowl. However, if such a leak exceeds the upper edge of the outer casing of the local flushing device, it may become impossible to install windows, decorative shelves, etc., in the space above the upper edge of the outer casing of the local flushing device. Therefore, in the present invention, the overflow water level of the flushing water in the water storage tank is set to a position higher than the upper surface of the rim of the toilet bowl body, and lower than the upper end of the outer casing of the local flushing device. As a result, if a blockage occurs on the toilet bowl side and the flushing water inside the toilet bowl body overflows from the upper surface of the rim, the user can notice the water leak on the toilet bowl side, and a window, decorative shelf, etc. can be installed in the space above the upper end of the outer casing of the local flushing device.

[0011] In the present invention, preferably, the flush toilet is a wall-mounted flush toilet having a frame portion that is positioned behind the toilet body on the back of a wall or inside a cabinet and that fixes the toilet body and the tank device, the drainage channel of the toilet body having its downstream side directed toward the back of the wall or inside the cabinet, and the water storage tank being positioned above the drainage channel. In the present invention configured as described above, the flush toilet is a wall-mounted flush toilet that is positioned behind the toilet bowl on the back of the wall or inside a cabinet and has a frame that fixes the toilet bowl and tank device. The downstream side of the drainage channel of the toilet bowl is directed towards the back of the wall or inside the cabinet, and the water storage tank is positioned above the drainage channel. Therefore, even if the tank device malfunctions, the tank device on the back of the wall or inside the cabinet can be replaced independently while maintaining the toilet bowl and its drainage channel, which are fixed by the frame, in their original state (fixed state).

[0012] In the present invention, preferably, the tank device further includes an overflow path that connects the water storage tank and the toilet bowl body and allows flushing water overflowing from the water storage tank to pass through, and this overflow path includes an upstream end connected to the water storage tank side and a downstream end connected to the toilet bowl body side, allowing flushing water overflowing from the water storage tank to pass from the upstream end through the toilet bowl side opening to the toilet bowl body from the downstream end. In the present invention configured in this way, the overflow path of the tank device, which connects the water storage tank and the toilet bowl body and allows flushing water overflowing from the water storage tank to pass through, allows flushing water overflowing from the water storage tank to pass from the upstream end through the toilet bowl side opening of the toilet bowl body to the toilet bowl body from the downstream end. Furthermore, by directing the flushing water that overflows from the water storage tank to the front of the wall or to the bowl portion of the toilet body (on the user's side) in front of the cabinet, it becomes easier for the user to detect any abnormalities. Furthermore, even if a blockage such as a drainage problem occurs in the toilet bowl itself, if the water ultimately leaks into the bowl, the user can clean it, thus preventing damage to household items around the toilet due to water leakage. On the other hand, if the overflow path is designed to be self-contained, such as by connecting its downstream end to the back of the wall or a drainage channel inside a cabinet, then when a leak occurs, it becomes impossible to clean the back of the wall or inside the cabinet, which poses a problem as the wood inside the wall will rot. Furthermore, if the overflow path is designed to be confined to the back of the wall or inside the cabinet, there is a problem in that the capacity of the water storage tank cannot be secured. In response to these problems, the present invention allows the overflow path of the tank device to allow flushing water overflowing from the water storage tank to flow from the upstream end through the toilet-side opening of the toilet body to the toilet body from the downstream end. This ensures sufficient capacity in the water storage tank and increases the flexibility of the layout in the space surrounding the flush toilet.

[0013] In the present invention, preferably, an inspection opening is provided in the wall or the front wall of the cabinet located behind the toilet bowl body or the local washing device, and the water passage member or the overflow path is arranged to pass through the inspection opening. In the present invention configured as described above, when performing maintenance on the back side of the wall behind the toilet body or on related equipment such as the tank device in the cabinet, or when performing maintenance on a part (small parts, etc.) of the pump device or the local cleaning device on the toilet body side, it is possible to easily access through the inspection opening without destroying the wall or the cabinet. Therefore, the maintainability can be improved.

Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the flush toilet of the present invention, it is possible to achieve both ensuring the capacity of the water storage tank arranged on the back side of the wall or in the cabinet and ensuring the maintainability of the pump device and its peripheral equipment.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] It is an overall configuration diagram of a flush toilet according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a schematic perspective view of a flush toilet according to an embodiment of the present invention seen obliquely from the front and above. [Figure 3] It is a plan view of a flush toilet according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] It is a rear view of a flush toilet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, a flush toilet according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a flush toilet according to an embodiment of the present invention. Next, FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a flush toilet according to an embodiment of the present invention seen obliquely from the front and above. Also, FIG. 3 is a plan view of a flush toilet according to an embodiment of the present invention. Further, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3. Also, FIG. 5 is a rear view of a flush toilet according to an embodiment of the present invention. First, as shown in Figures 1 to 5, the flush toilet 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is a so-called "wall-mounted flush toilet" in which the rear of the toilet body 2 is fixed to the wall W of the toilet room T (or the front wall W of the cabinet C).

[0017] Next, the wall-mounted flush toilet 1 of this embodiment comprises a ceramic toilet bowl body 2, a tank device 6 equipped with a water storage tank 4 for storing flushing water supplied to the toilet bowl body 2, and a pump device 8 provided downstream of the tank device 6 for pressurizing the flushing water supplied from the water storage tank 4 and supplying it to the toilet bowl body 2. Furthermore, a fixing device S for securing the toilet bowl body 2 and tank unit 6 is provided on the back side of the wall W of the toilet room T (or inside the cabinet C). This fixing device S comprises a plurality of frame parts (vertical frame members S1, horizontal frame members S2, etc.) that form a roughly rectangular parallelepiped outer frame.

[0018] When the rear of the toilet bowl body 2 is fixed to the fixing device S via the wall W of the toilet room T (or the front wall W of the cabinet C) using bolts B and nuts N (see Figure 3), the entire toilet bowl body 2 is fixed to the front side of the wall W by the fixing device S and is fixed above the floor surface F. Furthermore, the tank unit 6 is fixed to the back of the wall W (or inside the cabinet C) by a fixing device S, and the tank unit 6 is concealed in the space behind the wall W (or inside the cabinet C), so that it is located outside the toilet bowl body 2. On the other hand, the pump device 8 is located inside the toilet bowl body 2.

[0019] Next, as shown in Figures 1 to 5, the toilet bowl body 2 specifically includes a bowl portion 14 which comprises a waste receiving surface 10 for receiving waste and a rim portion 12 formed on the upper edge of the waste receiving surface 10. Furthermore, the toilet bowl body 2 includes a drain trap section 16 that forms a drainage channel for discharging waste from the bowl section 14, and a skirt section 18 that surrounds the bowl section 14 and the drain trap section 16 from the outside. Here, the skirt portion 18 is not limited to a ceramic skirt portion formed integrally with the toilet bowl body 2, but also includes panel members and the like that are provided separately from the toilet bowl body 2 and are detachably attached to cover the toilet bowl body 2 from the outside. The pump device 8 is positioned inside the skirt portion 18 of the toilet bowl body 2 and in the space behind the bowl portion 14.

[0020] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 4, the drain trap section 16 is more specifically configured such that its inlet 16a is connected to the lower part of the bowl section 14, and after extending from this inlet 16a to the lowest end 16b that is rearward and downward, it forms a curved drain channel that rises rearward and upward. This curved drain channel is formed so that its downstream end (rear end) extends towards the rear. Furthermore, a drain pipe 20 is installed on the back side of the wall W behind the toilet bowl 2 (or inside the cabinet C). This drain pipe 20 extends upward from below the floor surface F and then turns toward the toilet bowl 2 side (front side), and its front end (upstream end), the inlet 20a, is connected to the outlet 16c at the rear end (downstream end) of the drain trap 16 via a drain socket 22.

[0021] Next, as shown in Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5, the tank device 6 is equipped with a water supply pipe 24 connected to the upstream side of the water storage tank 4. The uppermost end of this water supply pipe 24 is connected to an external water source 26, such as a water supply system. Furthermore, in the water supply pipe 24, a stopcock 28 and a valve unit 30 are provided, extending from the water source 26 side (upstream side) to the downstream side. This valve unit 30 includes a constant flow valve 32 installed in the water supply pipe 24, an on-off valve (diaphragm valve 34) installed downstream of the constant flow valve 32, and a solenoid valve 36 that opens and closes the on-off valve (diaphragm valve 34). Furthermore, a water supply nozzle 38 is provided at the downstream end of the water supply pipe 24. This water supply nozzle 24a is directed towards the inside of the water storage tank 4 and serves as a water supply unit that supplies the cleaning water from the water supply pipe 24 into the water storage tank 4. As a result of these measures, when the solenoid valve 36 is activated and the diaphragm valve 34 is opened, the cleaning water supplied from the water source 26 to the water supply pipe 24 by the water supply pressure of the waterworks, etc., passes through the stopcock 28 and the constant flow valve 32 of the valve unit 30 to adjust the flow rate to a constant level, then passes through the diaphragm valve 34 and is supplied to the water storage tank 4 from the water supply nozzle 38.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the water storage tank 4 of the tank device 6 comprises a main tank 40 located at the bottom and an auxiliary tank 42 connected to the upper end of the main tank 40. These tanks 40 and 42 are connected to each other in the vertical direction. As a result, the cleaning water supplied from the water supply nozzle 38 is first received in the auxiliary tank 42, then passes through the lower opening 42a of the auxiliary tank 42, and is supplied into the main tank 40 from the upper opening 40a of the main tank 40, which is connected to the lower opening 42a. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 to 5, the auxiliary tank 42 is provided with an overflow port 42b on a part of its side wall. An overflow pipe 44 is connected to this overflow port 42b, and this overflow pipe 44 forms an overflow path that allows the flushing water in the auxiliary tank 42 to flow to the bowl portion 14 of the toilet bowl body 2 without passing through the main tank 40.

[0023] Furthermore, a check valve 46 is provided near the connection point between the auxiliary tank 42 and the overflow pipe 44 (near the inlet 44a of the overflow pipe 44) to open and close the overflow opening 42b. The check valve 46 keeps the overflow port 42b closed during normal use of the tank device 6. More precisely, during normal use when the toilet is not being flushed, the overflow port 42b is slightly open (slightly open) by the check valve 46, preventing the check valve 46 from sticking. On the other hand, when flushing the toilet, the check valve 46 is activated to close the overflow port 42b, preventing backflow of water from the pump device 8 and thus suppressing a decrease in flushing capacity. Furthermore, in the event of an abnormality such as a malfunction of the tank device 6 or a power outage causing it to stop, the check valve 46 is designed to open when the water level in the main tank 40 rises above the full water level and the water level in the auxiliary tank 42 rises to a predetermined water level, i.e., the overflow water level of the water storage tank 4, due to the cleaning water in the auxiliary tank 42. This allows the flushing water that flows out from the overflow port 42b to flow into the bowl portion 14 of the toilet body 2 without backflowing through the overflow pipe 44.

[0024] Next, as shown in Figures 1 to 5, the pump device 8 comprises a pump body 48 in which a drive unit (not shown) is built in, and a suction pipe 50 and a discharge pipe 52 provided on the upstream and downstream sides of the pump body 48, respectively. Furthermore, the front wall of the main tank 40 is provided with a supply port 40b that extends from the rear side to the front side of the toilet bowl body 2, and the suction pipe 50 of the pump device 8 is connected to the supply port 40b of the main tank 40 via a water passage member (water passage pipe 54) at its upstream end. Furthermore, the water supply pipe 54 extends from the connection point with the supply port 40b of the main tank 40 to the interior of the main tank 40 on the upstream side. Furthermore, the discharge pipe 52 of the pump device 8 has its upstream end connected to the pump body 48, while its downstream end is connected via a flexible hose 56 to the main water channel 2a inside the rear side of the toilet body 2.

[0025] Furthermore, the downstream end (outlet 44b) of the overflow pipe 44 is also connected to the main water channel 2a of the toilet bowl body 2. Incidentally, as shown in Figure 3, the main water channel 2a of the toilet body 2 is formed in the central part of the rear side interior of the toilet body 2 in the left-right direction and extends in the front-rear direction, and at its front end (downstream end), the first rim water channel 2b and the second rim water channel 2c are formed, respectively, which branch to the left and right. Furthermore, a first rim outlet 2d and a second rim outlet 2e are formed at the downstream ends of the first rim water conduit 2b and the second rim water conduit 2c, respectively.

[0026] Next, as shown in Figures 1 to 5, the flush toilet 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a controller 58, which is a control device that controls the operation of the pump device 8. This controller 58 is located in a part of the toilet body 2. Furthermore, the tank device 6 is equipped with a float switch 60 that detects the water level in the main tank 40. Here, the opening and closing operation of the solenoid valve 36 of the valve unit 30 is controlled by the controller 58 based on the water level in the main tank 40 detected by the float switch 60. Furthermore, the operation of the pump device 8 is controlled by the controller 58 based on the water level in the main tank 40 detected by the float switch 60. For example, if the water level in the main tank 40 detected by the float switch 60 is below a predetermined level, the solenoid valve 36 and the diaphragm valve 34 open, thereby opening the water supply pipe 24 and activating the pump device 8. When the water level in the main tank 40 reaches a predetermined level, the solenoid valve 36 closes and the diaphragm valve 34 closes, thereby closing the water supply pipe 24 and stopping the pump device 8.

[0027] Furthermore, the cleaning water stored in the main tank 40 is drawn into the pump body 48 via the water supply pipe 54 and suction pipe 50 when the pump device 8 is activated, and then pressurized and sent to the discharge pipe 52. As a result, all of the flushing water supplied from the main tank 40 to the discharge pipe 52 by the pump device 8 is supplied from the flexible hose 56 to the main water channel 2a of the toilet bowl body 2, and then supplied to the respective rim water channels 2b and 2c. Then, the flushing water in each rim water channel 2b, 2c is discharged into the bowl section 14 only from each rim outlet 2d, 2e, so that toilet flushing (so-called toilet flushing using 100% rim water discharge) is performed.

[0028] Next, with reference to Figures 1 to 5, specific features of the structure of the toilet bowl body 2, the tank device 6 equipped with a water storage tank 4, the pump device 8, and the surrounding parts of the flush toilet 1 according to this embodiment will be described. First, as shown in Figures 1, 4, and 5, the height position P1 of the lowest end 40c of the main tank 40 of the water storage tank 4 in the tank device 6 is set to be lower than the height position P2 of the upper surface 12a of the rim portion 12 of the toilet bowl body 2. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the water storage tanks 4 (main tank 40, auxiliary tank 42) are positioned above the drainage passage (drainage trap section 16 and drainage pipe 20).

[0029] Next, as shown in Figures 1 and 3 to 5, the flush toilet 1 of this embodiment is further equipped with a local cleaning device 62 that sprays cleaning water onto the private parts of the toilet user for cleaning. This local cleaning device 62 is provided behind the upper surface 12a of the rim portion 12 of the toilet bowl body 2 and includes an outer casing portion 62a that forms the outer casing of the body. In Figures 3 and 5, the outlines of the local cleaning device 62 and its outer casing 62a are shown with dashed lines. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, if we define the "overflow water level WL1 in the water storage tank 4" as the same water level as the lower limit position of the overflow port 42b in the auxiliary tank 42, then this overflow water level WL1 is located above the full water level WL2 of the main tank 40 in the water storage tank 4. Furthermore, the overflow water level WL1 in the water storage tank 4 is set to a position higher than the height position P2 of the upper surface 12a of the rim portion 12 of the toilet bowl body 2, and lower than the height position P3 of the upper end 62b of the outer casing portion 62a of the local flushing device 62.

[0030] Next, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the skirt portion 18 of the toilet bowl body 2 includes a rear wall portion 18a provided on its rear side, and a rear opening 18b, which is a toilet bowl side opening that penetrates the center of the upper edge of the rear wall portion 18a in the left-right direction in the front-rear direction. As a result, the water supply pipe 54 connecting the supply port 40b of the main tank 40 and the suction pipe 50 of the pump device 8 is positioned to pass through the rear opening 18b of the rear wall portion 18a of the skirt portion 18 of the toilet bowl body 2. In this embodiment, the rear opening 18b of the skirt portion 18 in the toilet bowl body 2 of the flush toilet 1 has a notched shape in which its upper edge is cut out in a concave shape downwards. However, it is not limited to this shape, and the rear wall portion 18a of the skirt portion 18 may have a hole shape that penetrates the rear wall portion 18a in the front-to-back direction without cutting out the upper edge of the rear wall portion 18a.

[0031] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, the overflow pipe 44 has an upstream end (inlet 44a) connected to the overflow port 42b of the auxiliary tank 42 of the water storage tank 4, and a downstream end (outlet 44b) connected to the main water channel 2a of the toilet bowl body 2, with the intermediate path between the inlet 44a and the outlet 44b of the overflow pipe 44 passing through the rear opening 18b of the skirt portion 18. As a result, the overflow pipe 44 forms an overflow path that allows the flushing water in the auxiliary tank 42 to pass through to the bowl portion 14 of the toilet bowl body 2 without passing through the main tank 40. Furthermore, the flushing water that overflows from the overflow port 42b of the auxiliary tank 42 of the water storage tank 4 is routed by the overflow pipe 44 from the upstream end (inlet 44a) through the rear opening 18b of the skirt portion 18, and then from the downstream end (outlet 44b) to the main water channel 2a of the toilet bowl body 2, after which it can be routed into the bowl portion 14 from the respective rim outlets 2d and 2e of the respective rim water channels 2b and 2c.

[0032] Next, as shown in Figure 1, an inspection opening 64 is provided in the wall W or the front wall W of the cabinet C located behind the toilet bowl body 2 and the local washing device 62, and it penetrates in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, the water passage members (water passage pipe 54) and the overflow path (overflow pipe 44) are arranged to pass through the inspection opening 64.

[0033] Next, with reference to Figures 1 to 5, the operation of the flush toilet 1 according to the embodiment described above will be explained. First, according to the flush toilet 1 of one embodiment of the present invention, the water storage tank 4 of the tank device 6 is placed outside the toilet body 2 by concealing it behind the wall W located behind the toilet body 2 or inside the cabinet C, while the pump device 8 can be placed inside the skirt portion 18 of the toilet body 2. This allows for the securing of space on the front side of the wall W behind the toilet body 2 or outside the cabinet C (such as the space behind and above the toilet body 2) without compromising the design of the toilet body 2. As a result, these spaces can be used, for example, to install windows or decorative shelves, thereby increasing the flexibility of the layout around the flush toilet 1. Furthermore, by concealing the water storage tank 4 of the tank device 6 within the wall WC behind the toilet body 2 and positioning it outside the toilet body 2, and by positioning the pump device 8 inside the skirt portion 18 of the toilet body 2, it is possible to secure a larger capacity for the water storage tank 4 while reducing the thickness of the wall W or the space inside the cabinet C by the amount of space occupied by the pump device 8, compared to the case where the pump device 8 is concealed together with the water storage tank 4 of the tank device 6 behind the wall W or inside the cabinet C. Furthermore, if the pump device 8 is concealed behind the wall W at the rear of the toilet bowl 2 or inside the cabinet C, it becomes difficult to access the pump device 8 and its surrounding equipment for inspection, parts replacement, and other maintenance. However, by positioning the pump device 8 in the space inside the skirt portion 18 of the toilet bowl 2, it becomes easier to access the pump device 8 and its surrounding equipment (controller 58, etc.) from the front of the wall W or outside the cabinet C, thereby improving maintainability. Therefore, the water storage tank 4 of the tank device 6, which is less likely to impair the water storage function and has a long lifespan, was placed behind the wall W or inside the cabinet C, while the pump device 8, which has seen significant technological advancements compared to the water storage tank 4 and requires more frequent maintenance such as inspection and parts replacement, could be placed in a part of the toilet bowl body 2. This makes it possible to ensure both the capacity of the water storage tank 4 located behind the wall W or inside the cabinet C, and the maintainability of the pump device 8 and its peripheral equipment (controller 58, etc.) on the toilet bowl body 2 side.

[0034] Furthermore, in conventional water storage tanks, which are concealed behind the wall W located behind the toilet bowl 2 or within the cabinet C, a so-called "gravity-supplied water storage tank" was employed, which used gravity (potential energy) to supply the flushing water from within to the downstream side (to the toilet bowl side). Therefore, in order to allow the effect of gravity (potential energy) on the flushing water in the water storage tank to be exerted, the lower end of the water storage tank was set to a position above the upper surface of the rim of the toilet bowl in order to set the water level in the water storage tank (for example, the water level in the standby water storage tank) as high as possible. In contrast, the flush toilet 1 according to this embodiment employs a so-called "pump-type water storage tank 4" in which the flushing water supplied from the water storage tank 4 is pressurized by a pump device 8 and supplied to the bowl portion 14 of the toilet body 2. This allows the height position P1 of the lowest end 40c of the main tank 40 in the water storage tank 4 to be set lower than the height position P2 of the upper surface 12a of the rim portion 12 in the toilet body 2. Therefore, a larger space can be secured above the toilet bowl 2, which can be effectively utilized, for example, as space for installing a window or decorative shelf. Furthermore, because the height position P1 of the lowest end 40c of the main tank 40 in the water storage tank 4 is set lower than the height position P2 of the upper surface 12a of the rim portion 12 in the toilet bowl body 2, even in situations where the effect of gravity (potential energy) of the flushing water in the main tank 40 of the water storage tank 4 is difficult to exert, the pumping pressure of the pump device 8 can sufficiently supply the flushing water in the main tank 40 of the water storage tank 4 to the bowl portion 14 of the toilet bowl body 2.

[0035] Furthermore, according to the flush toilet 1 of this embodiment, a toilet-side opening (rear opening 18b) that penetrates in the front-to-back direction can be provided in the rear wall portion 18a on the back side of the skirt portion 18 of the toilet body 2, and the supply port 40b of the main tank 40 that supplies flushing water from the water storage tank 4 to the toilet body 2 can be provided so as to be directed from the rear side of the toilet body 2 toward the rear opening 18b of the skirt portion 18 of the toilet body 2. Furthermore, the water passage member (water passage pipe 54) connecting the supply port 40b of the main tank 40 of the water storage tank 4 to the pump device 8 could be positioned to pass through the rear opening 18b of the skirt portion 18 of the toilet bowl body 2. Furthermore, because the supply port 40b of the main tank 40 of the water storage tank 4 is directed toward the rear opening 18b of the skirt portion 18 of the toilet bowl body 2, it is possible to reduce wasted space that would otherwise be required for the water passage member (water passage pipe 54) connecting the supply port 40b of the main tank 40 and the pump device 8 to detour, and to connect the supply port 40b of the main tank 40 of the water storage tank 4 and the pump device 8 via the shortest possible route. Therefore, the capacity of the water storage tank 4 can be secured, and the pressure loss due to the flow path length of the water passage member (water passage pipe 54) can be reduced, so that the flushing water in the water storage tank 4 can be efficiently supplied to the bowl portion 14 of the toilet body 2 by the pump device 8. Furthermore, the water-conducting member (water pipe 54) may be provided integrally with the pump device 8. This eliminates the need for retaining members (such as hose clamps) at the connection point between the water-conducting member (water pipe 54) and the pump device 8. As a result, the water storage tank 4 and the pump device 8 can be connected in such a way that the distance in the front-to-back direction is minimized, thereby reducing the forward projection dimension of the flush toilet 1. Therefore, the degree of freedom in the layout of the space surrounding the flush toilet 1 can be increased.

[0036] Furthermore, according to the flush toilet 1 of this embodiment, the water storage tank 4 of the tank device 6, which is less likely to impair the water storage function and has a long lifespan, can be placed behind the wall W or inside the cabinet C, while the pump device 8 and control device (controller 58), which have seen significant technological advancements compared to the water storage tank 4 and require more frequent maintenance such as inspection and parts replacement, can be placed in a part of the toilet body 2. This improves the maintainability of the pump device 8, controller 58, and their peripheral equipment on the toilet bowl body 2 side. Furthermore, compared to the case where the pump device 8 and controller 58 are concealed behind the wall W or inside the cabinet C along with the water storage tank 4 of the tank device 6, the thickness of the wall W or the space inside the cabinet C can be reduced by the amount of space occupied by the pump device 8 and controller 58, while still allowing for a larger capacity of the water storage tank.

[0037] Furthermore, according to the flush toilet 1 of this embodiment, if the overflow water level WL1 of the flushing water in the water storage tank 4 is set to a position lower than the height position P2 of the upper surface 12a of the rim portion 12 of the toilet body 2, for example, if a blockage occurs on the toilet body 2 side and the connection seal portion of the inlet portion 44a of the overflow pipe 44 is damaged, there is a possibility that the flushing water in the water storage tank 4 will exceed the overflow water level WL1 and leak outside the unit on the back side of the rear wall W of the toilet body 2 or inside the cabinet C before the toilet body 2 side is filled with water. Furthermore, in order to adapt the tank device 6 of the flush toilet 1 of this embodiment to overseas standards such as those in Europe, for example, an opening that communicates with the atmosphere may be provided above the overflow port 42b of the auxiliary tank 42 of the water storage tank 4 and below the water supply nozzle 38, thereby creating a space (air gap) between the lower edge of this opening (corresponding to the upper limit of the water level in the auxiliary tank 42) and the lower end of the water outlet of the water supply nozzle 38 above it. When a configuration with such a space (air gap) is adopted, if the overflow opening 42b is set below the upper surface 12a of the rim portion 12 of the toilet bowl body 2, there is a problem that if a blockage such as poor drainage occurs on the toilet bowl body 2 side, water may leak from the space (air gap) (external leakage) before water leaks from the bowl portion 14 of the toilet bowl body 2. Furthermore, if the overflow water level WL1 of the flushing water in the water storage tank 4 is set higher than the position P3 of the upper end 62b of the outer casing 62a of the local flushing device 62, then if a blockage occurs on the toilet bowl body 2 side, the toilet bowl body 2 will become full of water, and the flushing water inside the toilet bowl body 2 will overflow from the upper surface 12a of the rim 12. As a result, the user will notice the water leak on the toilet bowl body 2 side. However, if such a leak exceeds the upper end 62b of the outer casing 62a of the local flushing device 62, it may become impossible to install windows, decorative shelves, etc., in the space above the upper end 62b of the outer casing 62a of the local flushing device 62. Therefore, in the flush toilet 1 according to this embodiment, the overflow water level WL1 of the flushing water in the water storage tank 4 is set to a position higher than the height position P2 of the upper surface 12a of the rim portion 12 of the toilet bowl body 2, and lower than the height position P3 of the upper end 62b of the outer casing portion 62a of the local flushing device 62. As a result, if a blockage occurs on the toilet bowl body 2 side and the flushing water inside the toilet bowl body 2 overflows from the upper surface 12a of the rim portion 12, the user will be able to notice the water leak on the toilet bowl body 2 side, and a window, decorative shelf, etc. can be installed in the space above the upper end 62b of the outer casing 62a of the local flushing device 62.

[0038] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the flush toilet 1 is a wall-mounted flush toilet that is positioned behind the wall W or inside the cabinet C and has a fixing device S that secures the toilet body 2 and the tank device 6. The downstream side of the drainage channel (drain trap section 16) of the toilet body 2 is directed towards the back of the wall W or inside the cabinet C, and the water storage tank 4 is positioned above the drainage channel (drain trap section 16 and drain pipe 20). Therefore, even if the tank device 6 malfunctions, the toilet bowl body 2 and its drainage channel (drain pipe 20), which are fixed by the fixing device S, can be maintained in their fixed state, and only the tank device 6 located behind the wall W or inside the cabinet C can be replaced independently.

[0039] Furthermore, according to the flush toilet 1 of this embodiment, the overflow path (overflow pipe 44) of the tank device 6, which connects the water storage tank 4 and the toilet body 2 and allows flushing water overflowing from the water storage tank 4 to pass through, allows flushing water overflowing from the water storage tank 4 to pass from the inlet 44a of the overflow pipe 44, through the rear opening 18b of the skirt portion 18 of the toilet body 2, and then from the outlet 44b of the overflow pipe 44 to the toilet body 2. Furthermore, by routing the overflow pipe 44, which forms the overflow path, through the rear opening 18b in the rear wall portion 18a of the skirt portion 18 of the toilet bowl body 2, the flushing water overflowing from the water storage tank 4 flows to the front side of the wall W or to the bowl portion 14 (user side) of the toilet bowl body 2 in front of the cabinet C, making it easier for the user to detect abnormalities. Furthermore, even if a blockage such as a drainage problem occurs on the toilet bowl 2 side, if the point where the water ultimately leaks is the bowl portion 14 of the toilet bowl 2, the user can clean it, thus preventing corrosion of household items around the flush toilet 1 due to the water leak. On the other hand, if the overflow pipe 44 that forms the overflow path is installed so that its downstream end (outlet 44b) is connected to the back of the wall W or a drainage channel inside the cabinet C, or so that it is completed only on the back of the wall W or inside the cabinet C, then when a water leak occurs, it will not be possible to clean the back of the wall W or inside the cabinet C, which will cause the wood inside the wall W to rot. Furthermore, if the overflow path (overflow pipe 44) were to be installed so that it is confined to the back of the wall W or within the cabinet C, there would be a problem in that the capacity of the water storage tank 4 would not be secured. In this embodiment, the overflow path (overflow pipe 44) of the tank device 6 allows flushing water overflowing from the water storage tank 4 to pass from the upstream end (inlet 44a) through the toilet-side opening of the toilet bowl body 2 (rear opening 18b of the skirt portion 18) to the downstream end (outlet 44b) and then to the toilet bowl body 2. This ensures that the capacity of the water storage tank 4 is secured and increases the flexibility of the layout in the space surrounding the flush toilet 1.

[0040] Furthermore, according to the flush toilet 1 of this embodiment, an inspection opening 64 is provided in the wall W or the front wall W of the cabinet C located behind the toilet body 2 and the local cleaning device 62, and the water supply member (water supply pipe 54) or overflow path (overflow pipe 44) is arranged to pass through the inspection opening 64. This improves maintainability because, when performing maintenance on the back of the wall W behind the toilet body 2 or on related equipment of the tank device 6 inside the cabinet C, or when performing maintenance on the pump device 8 or parts (small components, etc.) of the toilet body 2 side through the inspection opening 64 without damaging the wall W or cabinet C.

[0041] In the flush toilet 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention described above, the rear of the toilet bowl 2 is fixed to the wall W of the toilet room T (or the front wall W of the cabinet C) and is positioned above the floor surface F, in what is known as a "wall-mounted flush toilet" configuration. However, the invention is not limited to this configuration and can also be applied to a so-called "floor-standing flush toilet" configuration in which the toilet bowl 2 is positioned on the floor surface F. Furthermore, in this embodiment of the flush toilet 1, the flushing water supplied from the water storage tank 4 of the tank device 6 to the toilet body 2 by pressurization of the pump device 8 is discharged into the bowl portion 14 only from the rim discharge ports 2d and 2e, and a configuration in which toilet flushing is performed by so-called 100% rim discharge has been described. While this type of toilet flushing system, which uses 100% rim water discharge, can achieve quiet operation, it can also be applied to other configurations, especially when noise reduction is not a priority. For example, in another configuration, one of the rim spouts 2d or 2e of the toilet bowl body 2 may be used, and a jet spout may be used that sprays water from below and in front of the bowl towards the entrance of the drain trap. In this case, a switching valve is provided in a part of the toilet bowl body 2 to switch the water passage downstream of the pump device 8, and this switching valve can switch the water passage downstream of the pump device 8 to communicate with the rim water channel upstream of the rim outlet, or to communicate with the jet water channel upstream of the jet outlet. This allows for toilet bowl flushing using both rim-type water discharge from the rim nozzle and jet-type water discharge from the jet nozzle, improving water conservation compared to flushing with 100% rim-type water discharge. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0042] 1. A flush toilet according to one embodiment of the present invention. 2 Toilet bowl 2a Leading channel 2b First Rim Waterway 2c Second Rim Waterway 2d First rim outlet 2e Second rim outlet 4. Water storage tank 6 Tank equipment 8. Pumping equipment 10 Waste receiving surface 12 Rim section 12a Upper surface of the rim 14 Bowl section 16. Drain trap section (drainage channel) 16a Inlet of the drain trap 16b The lowest part of the drain trap section 16c Outlet section of the drain trap 18 Skirt section 18a Rear wall of the skirt section 18b Rear opening of the skirt section (opening on the toilet side) 20 Drain pipe 20a Inlet of drain pipe 22 Drain socket 24 Water supply pipe 26 Water supply source 28 Water stop valve 30 Valve Unit 32 Constant flow valve 34 Diaphragm valve 36 Solenoid valve 38. Water supply nozzle (water supply section) 40 Main tank 40a Upper opening of the main tank 40b Supply port 40c Lowest point of the main tank 42 Auxiliary tanks 42a Lower opening of auxiliary tank 42b Overflow port 44. Overflow pipe (overflow path) 44a Inlet of the overflow pipe (upstream end of the overflow path) 44b Outlet of the overflow pipe (downstream end of the overflow path) 46 Check valve 48 Pump body 50 suction tube 52 Water pipe 54 Water passage pipe (water passage component) 56 Flexible hose 58 Controller (control device) 60 Float switch 62 Local cleaning device 62a Outer casing of local cleaning device 62b Upper end of the outer casing of the local cleaning device 64 Inspection opening B bolt C Cabinet F Floor N Nut P1 The height position of the lowest point of the main tank in the water storage tank (lower end position of the water storage tank) P2 Height position of the upper surface of the rim on the toilet bowl body P3 Height position of the upper end of the outer casing in the local cleaning device S fixation device S1 Vertical frame member (frame part) S2 Horizontal frame member (frame part) T Toilet room W: Toilet room wall or front wall of cabinet WL1 Overflow water level of the water storage tank WL2 Water Storage Tank Main Tank Full Water Level

Claims

1. A flush toilet that uses flushing water to wash away waste, A toilet bowl body comprising: a bowl portion including a waste receiving surface for receiving waste and a rim portion formed on the upper edge of the waste receiving surface; a drainage channel for discharging waste from the bowl portion; and a skirt portion surrounding the bowl portion and the drainage channel from the outside; A tank system equipped with a water storage tank for storing washing water, It has a pump device that pressurizes the flushing water supplied from the above-mentioned water storage tank and supplies it to the bowl portion of the toilet body, The above-mentioned water storage tank is located outside the toilet body by being concealed behind a wall or in a cabinet located behind the toilet body, while the above-mentioned pump device is located inside the skirt portion of the toilet body.

2. The flush toilet according to claim 1, wherein the lower end of the water storage tank is set to a position lower than the upper surface of the rim of the toilet bowl body.

3. The above-mentioned skirt portion comprises a rear wall portion provided on the back side of the toilet bowl body, and a toilet-side opening that penetrates this rear wall portion in the front-to-back direction. The above-mentioned water storage tank is provided with a supply port that is directed from the rear side of the toilet bowl body toward the toilet bowl side opening and supplies the flushing water from the water storage tank to the toilet bowl body side. The flush toilet according to claim 1, further comprising a water-conducting member connecting the supply port of the water storage tank and the pump device, wherein the water-conducting member is arranged to pass through the toilet-side opening.

4. The flush toilet according to claim 1, further comprising a control device for controlling the pump device, wherein the control device is located in the toilet body.

5. The above-mentioned flush toilet further includes a local cleaning device provided at the rear of the upper surface of the toilet body, which sprays cleaning water onto the user's private parts for cleaning, and this local cleaning device includes an outer casing that forms its outer casing. The flush toilet according to claim 3, wherein the overflow water level of the flushing water in the water storage tank is set to a position higher than the upper surface of the rim of the toilet bowl body and lower than the upper end of the outer casing of the local flushing device.

6. The flush toilet described above is a wall-mounted flush toilet having a frame portion that is positioned behind the toilet body on the back of the wall or inside the cabinet and that fixes the toilet body and the tank device, wherein the drainage channel of the toilet body is directed downstream to the back of the wall or inside the cabinet, and the water storage tank is positioned above the drainage channel, according to claim 1.

7. The above-mentioned tank device further includes an overflow path that connects the water storage tank and the toilet bowl body and allows flushing water overflowing from the water storage tank to pass through, the overflow path having an upstream end connected to the water storage tank side and a downstream end connected to the toilet bowl body side, allowing flushing water overflowing from the water storage tank to pass from the upstream end through the toilet bowl side opening to the toilet bowl body from the downstream end, according to claim 5.

8. A flush toilet according to claim 7, wherein an inspection opening is provided in the wall or the front wall of the cabinet located behind the toilet bowl body or the local washing device, and the water passage member or the overflow path is arranged to pass through the inspection opening.

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